Why Audiences & Critics Alike Are Grinning Over 'Smile 2'!

The horror genre is very divisive and has never been super well-received by critics. This especially applies to horror sequels, which are often labeled as soulless cash-grabs capitalizing off the commercial success of the original film. Smile 2 breaks that mould, however, as the consensus is that the film is not only a worthy follow up to Smile but is actually even better! 

Critics and general audience members alike agree that Naomi Scott gives an amazing performance in Smile 2, playing a mega pop star whose backstory and fame feels super authentic. The film plays on the popularity of superstars (such as Taylor Swift) with huge fan bases that can be potentially toxic, feeling relevant in a way that isn’t too on-the-nose. Bringing the curse from the original Smile -- which disturbed and enraptured fans -- into the sphere of the pop star makes the whole idea even more spectacular, scary, and gripping. In fact, many agree that Smile 2 is even more horrifying than the first one, with tons of terrifying jump scares and even more creepiness. If you go to watch it in theaters, be prepared for jolts, shocks, and the need to cover your eyes at certain eerily suspenseful moments!

Popular film critic TikToker @jstoobs calls Smile “the best original horror franchise of the 21st century”:

The ending leaves room for a third and potentially even scarier film in the franchise. Based on the popularity of the second film ($46 million worldwide opening as of this writing, topping box office charts, and an 85% on Rotten Tomatoes), Smile 3 seems like a sure thing, which is great news for those who want to keep seeing more of the interesting curse and more explanation as to how it works and if it can be cured. 

If you’re looking for a new release to watch in theaters and can stomach psychological horror and jump scares, then you should run to get tickets for Smile 2 and decide for yourself whether you think it’s better than the original!